Portable coffee brewing device

ABSTRACT

A portable coffee brewing device includes a lid pivotally connected to an upper end of the container by a hinge and button. A heating element housing and an electrical component housing is connected to a lower end of the container. A drain is positioned in a bottom wall of the container and is fluidly connected to a heating element positioned within the heating element housing. The heating element is controlled by electrical components positioned in the electrical components housing. A drip tube is fluidly connected to the heating element and the lid. A single serve coffee holding device is positioned below the lid. When the container is filled with fluid and the heating element is powered, heated fluid is forced up the drip tube through the passageway in the lid and into the coffee grounds holding device in a continuous cycle. The device is connectable to an external power source.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/246,598 which was filed on Aug. 25, 2016, which was acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/585,317filed on Dec. 30, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/922,239 filed Dec. 31, 2013.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to coffee brewing. More specifically, and withoutlimitation, this invention relates to a portable coffee brewing device.

Coffee brewing is old and well known in the art. Initially, coffee wasbrewed by mixing ground coffee beans with water in a pot or other vesselwhich was placed over a source of heat. As the water warmed, the groundbeans released flavors into the water, thereby forming what is known ascoffee. Once this process was completed, the coffee grounds wereseparated from the coffee and the coffee was consumed.

With the advent and mass adoption of electricity, the technology ofcoffee brewing took a major leap forward. With the use of electricity,countless forms and designs of coffee machines or coffee makers(hereinafter “coffee makers”) were developed. Manufacturers of thesecoffee makers include Cuisinart, Mr. Coffee, Hamilton Beach, KitchenAid, Bunn and countless others. Conventionally these devices include abase, an internal heating element which is connected to a source ofelectricity, a reservoir for holding water, a pot to receive the coffeeand a coffee grounds holding device to hold the coffee grounds.Typically, these devices are designed to sit on a counter top and beused in a kitchen in a stationary and non-portable manner. As such,these conventional coffee makers are often bulky and are formed ofmultiple pieces and therefore these devices are not easily portable.

Understanding that conventional coffee makers are generallynon-portable, yet many coffee drinkers like to take their coffee withthem in the morning to work or to run errands, some manufacturersdeveloped what are commonly known as personal coffee makers. Thesepersonal coffee makers are designed to make a single serving of coffeethat can be poured into a to-go cup or travel mug. Some of thesepersonal coffee makers are even designed to pour directly into the cupor travel mug, thereby avoiding the additional step of having to pourthe coffee from the pot into the cup or travel mug. While these personalcoffee makers have made it somewhat easier for someone to take coffeewith them on the go, these personal coffee makers themselves are no moreportable than conventional coffee makers.

Therefore, for the reasons stated above, and for other reasons statedbelow, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art uponreading and understanding the specification, and the drawings, there isa need in the art for a portable coffee brewing device.

Thus, it is a primary object of the invention to provide a portablecoffee brewing device that improves upon the state of the art.

Another object of the invention to provide a portable coffee brewingdevice that is easy to use.

Yet another object of the invention to provide a portable coffee brewingdevice that brews a pleasing and high quality cup of coffee.

Another object of the invention to provide a portable coffee brewingdevice that is inexpensive to manufacture.

Yet another object of the invention to provide a portable coffee brewingdevice that has an intuitive design.

Another object of the invention to provide a portable coffee brewingdevice that has a robust and durable design.

Yet another object of the invention to provide a portable coffee brewingdevice that has a long and useful life.

Another object of the invention to provide a portable coffee brewingdevice that has a simple and ergonomic design.

Yet another object of the invention to provide a portable coffee brewingdevice that allows a user to make a fresh cup of coffee whenever andwherever they so desire.

Another object of the invention to provide a portable coffee brewingdevice that allows a user to load the device with water and coffeegrounds at one time and one place while allowing for brewing of thecoffee at another time and another place.

Another object of the invention to provide a portable coffee brewingdevice that uses what are known as K-cups.

Yet another object of the invention to provide a portable coffee brewingdevice that has an appealing design.

Another object of the invention to provide a portable coffee brewingdevice that is safe to use.

Yet another object of the invention to provide a portable coffee brewingdevice that is easy to clean.

Another object of the invention to provide a portable coffee brewingdevice that does not leak.

Yet another object of the invention to provide a portable coffee brewingdevice that uses disposable coffee grounds holding devices.

These and other objects, features, or advantages of the invention willbecome apparent from the specification, drawings and claims.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A portable coffee brewing device includes a lid pivotally connected toan upper end of the container by a hinge and button. A heating elementhousing and an electrical component housing is connected to a lower endof the container. A drain is positioned in a bottom wall of thecontainer and is fluidly connected to a heating element positionedwithin the heating element housing. The heating element is controlled byelectrical components positioned in the electrical components housing. Adrip tube is fluidly connected to the heating element and the lid. Asingle serve coffee holding device is positioned below the lid. When thecontainer is filled with fluid and the heating element is powered,heated fluid is forced up the drip tube through the passageway in thelid and into the coffee grounds holding device in a continuous cycle.The device is connectable to an external power source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable coffee brewing device withthe lid in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portable coffee brewing device withthe lid in an open position showing the K-cup holder or insert;

FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of a portable coffee brewingdevice showing the components thereof;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a portable coffee brewing device;

FIG. 5 is a side cut-away elevation view of a portable coffee brewingdevice; and

FIG. 6 is a side cut-away close-up perspective view of the bottom of aportable coffee brewing device;

FIG. 7 is a side cut-away elevation view of a second embodiment of aportable coffee brewing device having a lid formed of a lower componentand an upper component, a pump positioned within the lid and a coffeebasin positioned within the lid;

FIG. 8A is a side cut-away elevation exploded view of the lid of theportable coffee brewing device of FIG. 7 having a lower component and anupper component, a pump positioned within the lid and a coffee basinpositioned within the lid;

FIG. 8B is a bottom elevation view of the upper component of the lid ofFIGS. 7 and 8A;

FIG. 8C is a bottom elevation view of the lower component of the lid ofFIGS. 7 and 8A

FIG. 8D is a top elevation view of the lower component of the lid ofFIGS. 7, 8A and 8C;

FIG. 9 is a side cut away elevation view of a third embodiment of aportable coffee brewing device having a lid formed of a lower componentand an upper component, a pump positioned within a bottom component;

FIG. 10 is a perspective exploded view of a fourth embodiment of aportable coffee brewing device having a container, a sleeve, a lidhingedly connected to the container, a removable basket that isconfigured to hold a coffee grounds holding device, a heating elementwrapped around the sleeve and positioned between the sleeve and thecontainer, an electrical components housing connected to the bottom endof the container housing a pump and other electronic components, adigital display and an alarm positioned in the sidewall of theelectrical components housing, the view showing the heating elementwrapped around the sleeve and a layer of thermal insulating materialwrapped around the heating element;

FIG. 11 is a close-up perspective view of the lower end of the containerof the portable coffee brewing device shown in FIG. 10, the view showingthe pump, sensor and electrical components housing;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the portable coffee brewing deviceshown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the view showing the lid open;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the portable coffee brewingdevice shown in FIGS. 10-12, the view showing the lid open and thebasket in a removed position and the view showing the coffee groundsholding container in a removed condition;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of the portable coffee brewing deviceshown in FIGS. 10-13, the view showing the lid in an open position;

FIG. 15 is a front elevation view of the portable coffee brewing deviceshown in FIGS. 10-14, the view showing the lid in an open position;

FIG. 16 is a rear elevation view of the portable coffee brewing deviceshown in FIGS. 10-15, the view showing the lid in an open position;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation exploded view of the portable coffee brewingdevice shown in FIGS. 10-16;

FIG. 18 is a front elevation exploded view of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a side elevation cut-away view of the portable coffee brewingdevice shown in FIGS. 10-18, the view showing the lid in an openposition;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation cut-away view of the portable coffee brewingdevice shown in FIG. 20, the view showing the lid in a closed position;

FIG. 21 is a close up side elevation cut-away view of the lower end ofthe portable coffee brewing device shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a close up side elevation cut-away view of the upper end ofthe portable coffee brewing device shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a plan view of the electrical components of the systemincluding the circuit board, microprocessor, transceiver, antenna,sensor, heating element, pump, display, alarm, plug and switch, as wellas its wireless connection with its related application run on acomputing device and controlled through wireless control signals overthe air or through an electronic network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and thatmechanical, procedural, and other changes may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the inventions. The following detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and thescope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims,along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims areentitled.

As used herein, the terminology such as vertical, horizontal, top,bottom, front, back, end and sides are referenced according to the viewspresented and with respect to the orientation of related parts andpieces as is described herein. It should be understood, however, thatthe terms are used only for purposes of description, and are notintended to be used as limitations. Accordingly, orientation of anobject or a combination of objects may change without departing from thescope of the invention.

A portable coffee brewing system 10 is presented in the figures. Thesystem 10 includes a container 12, a heating element housing 14 thatholds a heating element 16, an electrical components housing 18 thatholds electrical components 20, a lid 22, a holder or insert 24, and acoffee grounds holding device 26.

Container:

Container 12 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is anyform of a liquid holding vessel such as a cup, a mug, a travel mug, athermal mug, or the like. In one arrangement, as is shown, container 12includes a sidewall 28 that extends in a generally circular manner froman upper end 30 to a lower end 32.

Sidewall 28 connects at or near its lower end 32 to bottom wall 34 thatdefines the bottom of the hollow interior 36 formed by container 12.Sidewall 14 terminates in an open upper end to which lid 22 isconnected.

In one arrangement, sidewall 14 includes connecting features, such asthreads, snap-fit-features, grooves or the like, adjacent either theinterior surface or exterior surface of the open upper end 30 ofsidewall 28. These connecting features are used for connecting lid 22 tocontainer 12 in a manner that allows lid 20 to be opened if not removedentirely.

In one arrangement, as is shown, lid 20 connects to container 12 byhinge 38. In the arrangement shown, hinge 38 is positioned in therearward upper end of sidewall 28. Lid 22 pivots upon hinge 38 betweenan open position and a closed position around axis 40 that extendsthrough the center of hinge 38.

In one arrangement, as is shown, a button 42 is positioned at or nearthe upper end 30 of sidewall 28, on the opposite side of container fromopposite hinge 38. Button 42 is formed of any suitable size, shape anddesign and is used to hold lid 20 in a closed position as well asrelease lid 20 to an open position. Button 42 slides laterally adistance toward and away from the center of container 12 and is urgedforward by a biasing member (not shown) such as a spring, compressiblepiece of material or a flexible member, so as to hold lid 22 in a closedposition.

In the arrangement shown, button 42 includes a pair of latching arms 44,one on either side of button 42, the latching arms 44 each having arounded or angled upper surface 46 that connects to a generally flatbottom surface 48 or locking surface. These latching arms 44 engage andconnect to mating features in the underside of lid 22.

As the lid 22 is lowered, the bottom surface of lid 22 engages therounded or angled surfaces 46 of latching arms 44 which causes thebutton 42 to move rearward against the force of biasing member andtowards the center of container 12. This movement continues until therounded or angled surface 46 of latching arms 44 pass the mating featureof lid 22, at which point the biasing member forces the button 42forward as the flat or locking surfaces 48 of latching arms 44 engageand hold onto the lid 22 thereby locking the lid 22 in a closedposition.

Button 42 is positioned in front of and/or around a pour spout 50connected to container 12. Pour spout 50 is formed of any suitable size,shape and design. In the arrangement shown, as one example, pour spout50 is connected to the interior surface of sidewall 28 adjacent itsupper end 30 opposite hinge 38. Pour spout 50 provides fluidcommunication from the hollow interior 36 of container 12 to lid 22.

Container 12 includes a lip 52. Lip 52 is formed of any suitable size,shape and design. In one arrangement, as is shown, lip 52 extends aroundthe interior surface of sidewall 28 and extends inward therefrom adistance. Lip 52 is recessed a distance below the upper end 30 ofsidewall 28.

Container 12 also includes a drip tube 54. Drip tube 54 is formed of anysuitable size, shape and design. In one arrangement, as is shown, driptube 54 is a generally circular tube that extends from below the bottomwall 34 to at or near the upper end 30 of sidewall 28. In onearrangement, drip tube 54 is connected to, positioned within sidewall 28of container 12. In this arrangement, where drip tube 54 is a separatepiece from container 12, drip tube 54 is removable so as to allowcleaning or replacement of drip tube 54. Alternatively, drip tube 54 isformed on or in sidewall 28 as part of sidewall 28.

The lower end of drip tube 54 fluidly connects to heating element 16,either directly or by way of connection to one or more other components.The upper end of drip tube 54 fluidly connects to lid 22, eitherdirectly or by way of connection to one or more other components. Inthis way, drip tube 54 provides a fluid conduit from below bottom wall34 to lid 22.

Container 12 also includes a drain 56. Drain 56 is formed of anysuitable size, shape and design. In one arrangement, as is shown, drain56 is positioned within bottom wall 34 and provides a fluid passagewayfrom the hollow interior 36 of container 12 to the heating element 16.In one arrangement, the drain 56 is centrally positioned in the bottomwall 34 so as to allow the heating element container 14 to be screwedonto the lower end 32 of container 12 in a removable and replaceablefashion. Alternatively, as in the arrangement shown, drain 56 ispositioned in an off-center arrangement.

Drain 56 includes a filter or screen 58 that covers the drain 56 andprevents particles, such as coffee grinds, from entering drain 56 andplugging it. Drain 56 also includes a valve or check valve 60. Checkvalve 60 allows for fluid to flow through valve 60 in one direction, butprevents fluid flow in an opposite direction. In this application, checkvalve 60 allows fluid to flow from hollow interior 36 to heating element16, but prevents flow in the opposite direction. In this way, as thefluid is boiled by the heating element 16, the fluid is forced up thedrip tube 54, through lid 22 and back into the hollow interior 36thereby causing continuous circulation of fluid.

Lid:

Lid 22 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. Lid 22 connectsto the upper end 30 of container 12. In one arrangement, as is shown,lid 22 is generally circular in shape when viewed from above andmatingly engages the upper end 30 of container 12.

The rearward side of lid 22 connects to hinge 38 and the forward side oflid 22 connects to button 42. In this way, lid 22 is locked in a closedposition by button 42, while releasing button 42 allows lid 22 to beopened upon hinge 38 thereby providing access to the hollow interior 36of container 12.

The forward end of lid 22 includes a lip 62 that protrudes above theupper edge 64 of lid 22. Lid 22 includes a pour spout 66 that ispositioned just rearward of lip 62. Pour spout 66 of lid 22 fluidlyconnects with pour spout 50 of container 12 when lid 22 is in a closedposition.

Pour spout 66 of lid 22 is selectively opened and closed by cover 68.Cover 68 is any device that opens and closes pour spout 66. In thearrangement shown, as one example, cover 68 slides forward, to cover andclose pour spout 66, and slides rearward to uncover pour spout 66,however any other form of a cover is hereby contemplated for use.

Lid 22 includes a passageway 70 therein (which is depicted by arrow 70).Passageway 70 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design andprovides a fluid conduit from drip tube 54 to holder or insert 24 and/orcoffee grounds holding device 26.

In one arrangement, as is shown, passageway 70 includes a verticalportion 72 that is positioned at the rearward side of lid 22 and fluidlycommunicates with drip tube 54, and a horizontal portion 74 that extendstoward the center of lid 22 and fluidly communicates with holder orinsert 24 and/or coffee grounds holding device 26.

In one arrangement, vertical portion 72 of passageway 70 connects to aflexible tube portion 76. Flexible tube portion 76 connects the upperend of drip tube 54 to the lower end of vertical portion 70 ofpassageway 70. As flexible tube portion 76 is flexible, it allows foropening and closing of lid 22 while keeping passageway 70 and drip tube54 in fluid sealed communication.

In an alternative arrangement, vertical portion 72 and the upper end ofdrip tube 54 connect and seal to one another when lid 22 is in a closedposition, whereas when lid 22 is in an open position vertical portion 72and the upper end of drip tube 54 separate from one another. In thisarrangement, to ensure proper sealing any form of a connection can beused. As examples, a compressible seal is positioned between thevertical portion 72 and the upper end of drip tube 54, the verticalportion 72 and the upper end of drip tube 54 are formed in matingoverlapping condition when closed, or any other arrangement.

In one arrangement, as is shown, horizontal portion 74 is generallycircular in shape and includes a sloped bottom wall 78 that anglesdownward as it extends toward the center of lid 22. This sloped bottomwall 78 includes at least one nipple 80 having an opening therein.Nipple 80 extends downward from the sloped bottom wall 78 such that whenlid 22 is closed, nipple 80 punctures the coffee grounds holding device26 thereby providing an opening and access for fluid into the coffeegrounds holding device 26. As the bottom wall 78 is sloped downward, asthe horizontal portion 74 fills with fluid, the force of gravity movesthe fluid along the sloped bottom wall 78 into the coffee groundsholding device 26.

Holder or Insert:

Holder or insert 24 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. Inone arrangement, as is shown, holder or insert 24 is sized and shaped tobe positioned between container 12 and lid 22 and held in place therebetween when lid 22 is in a closed position. Holder or insert 24includes a generally circular opening 82 positioned at its middle thatis defined by a collar 84 that extends around the opening 82. Collar 84includes at least one step 86 therein that is narrower than the collar84. This step 86 is sized and shaped to matingly receive and hold asimilar step in coffee grounds holding device 26 so as to prevent coffeegrounds holding device 26 from falling through holder or insert 24.

A flange 88 extends outward from collar 84 in a generally flat andplanar manner. Flange 88 is sized and shaped to fit just within theinterior surface of sidewall 28 and sit on top of lip 52 adjacent theupper end 30 of container 12. Flange 88 includes a forward notch 90therein that is sized and shaped to fit around the pour spout 66 ofcontainer 12. Flange 88 also includes a rearward notch 92 therein thatis sized and shaped to fit around the area wherein drip tube 54 connectswith passageway 70 of lid 22.

A frame member 96 connects to and extends downward from collar 84. Framemember 96 extends downward from collar 84 and connects to a bottom wall98 having a nipple 100 with an opening therein. Nipple 100 extendsupward from bottom wall 98. Frame member 96 and bottom wall 98 are sizedand shaped to receive coffee grounds holding device 26 therein withclose and tight clearance therein. Frame member 96 and bottom wall 98may be skeletonized in shape, or they can be formed of a solidcontinuous wall.

When coffee grounds holding device 26 is placed in holder or insert 24and lid 22 is closed, nipple 100 penetrates the bottom wall of coffeegrounds holding device 26 thereby providing an exit for fluid flowinginto the coffee grounds holding device 26.

Coffee Grounds Holding Device:

Coffee grounds holding device 26 is formed of any suitable size, shapeand design. In one arrangement, as is shown, coffee grounds holdingdevice 26 is formed of what is commonly known as a “K-cup” which wasdesigned and originally manufactured and distributed under the nameKeurig which is part of Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. which has itsheadquarters in Waterbury, Vt. These coffee grounds holding devices 26are single use, single serve and are formed of a plastic container thatis generally circular sidewall 102 in shape and narrows as it extendsdownward before terminating in a bottom wall 104. The coffee groundsholding device 26 includes a flange 106 connected to the upper end ofsidewall 102 and extends outward therefrom, as well as one or more steps108 positioned between the flange 106 and the sidewall 102.

The hollow interior formed by the coffee grounds holding device 26 isenclosed by a foil cover 110. A filter member 112 is positioned withinthe hollow interior of the coffee grounds holding device 26 and holds anamount of coffee grounds 114 therein. The filter member 112 allows forthe passage of fluids there through while preventing the passage ofcoffee grounds 114. This arrangement allows for quick and easy insertionand removal of a coffee grounds holding device 26 into holder or insert24 when the lid 22 is in an open positions.

Heating Element Housing:

Heating element housing 14 is formed of any suitable size, shape anddesign. In one arrangement, as is shown, heating element housing 14 isgenerally circular in shape or disc shaped and connects to the lower end32 of container 12. Heating element housing 14 connects to container 12by any manner or means. In one arrangement, heating element housing 14is permanently connected to and sealed to the bottom of container 12,such as by use of welding, adhesive, friction fit, locking engagement,or any other method or means. In an alternative arrangement, heatingelement housing 14 is connected to the bottom of container 12 by anyremovable manner or means such as threaded engagement, snap fit,friction fit or any other method or means. By being removable, thisallows the components of heating element housing 14 to be accessed andcleaned. By being permanently affixed, this ensures that heating elementhousing 14 is permanently and properly sealed ensuring that water doesnot infiltrate the hollow interior of heating element housing 14. In onearrangement, as is shown, the upper end of heating element housing 14has a step 116 that is matingly received by, and fits just within, theinterior surface of the lower end 32 of container 12, just below bottomwall 34.

Heating element housing 14 holds heating element 16. Heating element 16is formed of any device which receives and heats fluids in container 12.In one arrangement, as is shown, heating element 16 is formed of anelectrical conduit 118 that is connected to heating tube 120.

Electrical conduit 118 and heating tube 120 are formed of any suitablesize, shape and design. In the arrangement shown, electrical conduit 118and heating tube 120 are formed in a U-shape, however any other shape ishereby contemplated, such as a coil, spiral, zig-zag, or any othershape.

In the arrangement shown, electrical conduit 118 includes an openingthrough its middle that receives an electrical filament that whenpowered generates heat. Heating tube 120 is in direct physical contactto electrical conduit 118 throughout all or the majority of its lengthso that heat generated by electrical conduit 118 is efficiently absorbedor transmitted to heating tube 120, which is a hollow tube.

The entry end of heating tube 120 is fluidly connected to drain 56 so asto receive fluid from container 12. The exit end of heating tube 120 isfluidly connected to the lower end of drip tube 54. Due to the one-waycheck valve 60 in drain 56, heating tube 120 receives fluid fromcontainer 12, as the fluid is heated by electrical conduit 118 the fluidboils and expands. The expanding fluid cannot move against the checkvalve 60 and therefore it is forced up the drip tube 54.

In one arrangement, heating element housing 14 is insulated so as tosealing the heat generated from electrical conduit 118 and to preventheat from transferring to other portions of the device 10.

Electrical Components Housing:

Electrical components housing 18 is formed of any suitable size, shapeand design. In one arrangement, as is shown, electrical componentshousing 18 is generally circular in shape or disc shaped and connects tothe lower end of heating element housing 14 and thereby forms the bottomof portable coffee brewing device 10. Electrical components housing 18connects to container 12/heating element housing 14 by any manner ormeans. In one arrangement, electrical components housing 18 ispermanently connected to and sealed to the bottom of container12/heating element housing 14, such as by use of welding, adhesive,friction fit, locking engagement, or any other method or means. In analternative arrangement, electrical components housing 18 is connectedto the bottom of container 12/heating element housing 14 by anyremovable manner or means such as threaded engagement, snap fit,friction fit or any other method or means. By being removable, thisallows the components of electrical components housing 18 to be accessedand cleaned. By being permanently affixed, this ensures that electricalcomponents housing 18 is permanently and properly sealed ensuring thatwater does not infiltrate the hollow interior of electrical componentshousing 18.

Electrical components housing 18 holds electrical components 20.Electrical components 20 are formed of any electrical components neededto turn on, turn off and control the portable coffee brewing device 10.These electrical components 20 are electrically connected to electricalconduit 118 and thereby powers on and powers off electrical conduit 118.

In one arrangement, as is shown, electrical components 20 include aswitch 122 which controls the flow of energy to the electrical conduit118.

In one arrangement, as is shown, electrical components 20 also include asensor 124 which senses the temperature of the fluids within thecontainer 12 and/or the temperature of the electrical conduit 118 and/orthe temperature of the heating tube 120.

In one arrangement, as is shown, electrical components 20 also include amicroprocessor 126 which receives information from the other electricalcomponents 20 and processes this information based on instructionsstored in memory and outputs results. In one arrangement, microprocessor126 includes a clock or clock function which controls the amount of timethe amount of time or duration that the electrical conduit 118 ispowered.

In one arrangement the sensor 124 turns on and turns off the power toelectrical conduit 118 based upon the sensed temperature, in anotherarrangement, the sensor 124 transmits the sensed temperature to themicroprocessor 126 which controls the turning on and turning off of thepower to the electrical conduit 118.

In one arrangement, the check valve 60 is mechanical in nature, whereasin another arrangement microprocessor 126 controls the operation ofcheck valve 60. In this arrangement, the microprocessor 126 isprogrammed to close the check valve 60 a period of time before cuttingpower to the electrical conduit 118. This allows the remaining amount offluid in the heating tube 120 to be boiled and transmitted up the driptube 54 so as clearing the drip tube 54 and heating tube 120 beforeturning off the system 10. This prevents fluid from being stuck in theheating tube 120 between uses.

Electrical components housing 18 includes any other electricalcomponents needed to operate portable coffee brewing system 10.

In an alternative arrangement, electrical components housing 18 andheating element housing 14 are combined into a single housing.

Socket & Plug:

A socket 128 is connected to the portable coffee brewing system 10.Socket 128 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and servesto connect portable coffee brewing device 10 to an external powersource. Any form of a socket 128 that connects two components togetherand allows for electrical transmission there between is herebycontemplated for use, these include a two wire socket, a three wiresocket, a headphones jack, a USB socket, or any other form of socket.Socket 128 is sized and shaped to matingly receive plug 130 in aremovable manner. Plug 130 is connected to a power lead 132 which isdesigned to be connected to an external power source, such as awall-plug-in, a USB port, a cigarette lighter socket in a vehicle, orany other source of power.

In Operation:

A user desiring to use the portable coffee brewing system 10 fills opensthe lid 22 by pressing button 42. This allows lid 22 to be pivotallyopened on hinge 38. This exposes the holder or insert 24. If no coffeegrounds holding device 26 is present, the user can simply pour thedesired amount of water into the container 12 through the opening in thecenter of the holder or insert 24. If a coffee grounds holding device 26is present, the user can remove coffee grounds holding device 26 or theholder or insert 24 entirely which will expose the open upper end ofcontainer 12 allowing the user to fill it with the desired amount offluid.

Once container 12 is filled with fluid, the user replaces the holder orinsert 24 by aligning the forward notch 90 with the pour spout 66 andthe rearward notch 92 with the drip tube 54 and allows the holder orinsert 24 to sit upon lip 52. Once the holder or insert 24 is this fullyinstalled position, the user selects their desired coffee ground holdingdevice 26 (also known as a K-cup) and places the coffee ground holdingdevice 26 within the opening 82 until it settles there within and theflange 106 and steps 108 of coffee ground holding device 26 engages thecollar 84 and steps 86 of holder or insert 24.

With the container 12 filled with water, and the coffee ground holdingdevice 26 installed in the installed holder or insert 24, the user nextcloses the lid 22. As the lid is closed, the rounded or angled uppersurface 46 of latching arms 44 engage the underside of lid 22 as it isforced downward toward container 12. As the lid 22 moves downward, therounded or angled upper surfaces 46 of latching arms 44 force the button42 rearward against the biasing force of biasing member until the bottomsurface or locking surface 48 of latching arms 44 grab hold of the lid22. In this position, the lid 22 is fully closed and the seam linebetween the upper end 30 of container 12 is fully sealed with the lowerend of lid 22 in a watertight manner. In one arrangement, a compressiblemember, such as a plastic or rubber or composite O-ring is placed at theintersection of the container 12 and lid 22 to ensure proper sealing.

As the lid 22 is closed, this forces nipple 80 in the bottom surface oflid 22/sloped bottom wall 78 to penetrate the cover 110 of the coffeegrounds holding device 26 thereby providing a fluid passageway into thecoffee grounds holding device 26. Similarly, as the lid 22 is closed,this forces nipple 100 in the bottom wall 98 of holder or insert 24 topenetrate the bottom wall 104 of the coffee grounds holding device 26thereby providing a fluid passageway out of the coffee grounds holdingdevice 26 and into container 12.

In this condition, the portable coffee brewing device 10 is bothportable as well as ready to brew a fresh cup of coffee.

When the user arrives at their location, such as at their office, theyplug power lead 132 into an external power source and then they insertplug 132 into socket 128 which powers the device. In the arrangementwherein the check valve 60 is powered, the microprocessor 126 opens thepowered check valve 60 which allows fluid to pass through drain 56 andinto heating tube 120. Alternatively, wherein the check valve 60 isunpowered, fluid is allowed to move through drain 56 and into heatingtube 12, but not the opposite direction.

Simultaneously, power is transmitted to the electrical conduit 118 whichgenerates heat. This heat is transmitted to heating tube 120 and fluidwithin the heating tube 120, which is allowed through check valve 60 isheated. As the fluid is heated, its volume expands and fluid is forcedthrough the only escape it has, and that is through the drip tube 54(because it cannot move against or in the opposite direction of thecheck valve 60.

The heated fluid travels up the drip tube 54, through the flexible tubeportion 76 and into the passageway 70 in lid 22. That is the fluid firstmoves through the vertical portion 72 of the passageway 70 beforeentering the horizontal portion 74 of the passageway 70. From there, theforce of gravity, as well as the hydrodynamic forces of the expandingfluid coming up the drip tube 54, forces the heated fluid to drain downthe sloped bottom wall 78 of the passageway 70, through the opening innipple 80 and into coffee grounds holding device 26.

Once the heated fluid is in the coffee grounds holding device 26, theheated fluid drains through the coffee grounds 114, through the filtermember 112 and out of the hole in the bottom wall 104 of coffee groundsholding device 26 formed by nipple 100. As the heated fluid, which isnow coffee, passes through nipple 100 the heated fluid enters the againcontainer 12 and the process is repeated in a continuous flow, similarto the process of what is known as a percolator.

Throughout the process, the sensor 124 and microprocessor 126 track thesystem. The sensor 124 and/or the microprocessor 126 will turn on orturn off the power to the electrical conduit 118 when the temperatureexceeds a maximum predetermined temperature, or when the predeterminedamount of time for brewing has been exceeded.

When the coffee is fully brewed, the user unplugs the power lead 132 andslides the cover 68 rearward thereby exposing the pour spout 66 whichallows the user to drink directly from the container 12.

To remove and replace the coffee grounds holding device 26 the lid 22 isagain opened and the coffee grounds holding device 26 is replaced.

Alternative Arrangement:

In an alternative arrangement, with reference to FIGS. 7-8D a portablecoffee brewing system 210 is presented in the figures. The system 210includes a container 212. Container 212 is any form of a liquid holdingvessel such as a cup, a mug, a travel mug, a thermal mug, or the like.In one arrangement, container 212 includes a sidewall 214 that surroundsand connects at its bottom edge to bottom 216. Sidewall 214 terminatesin an open upper end 218 adjacent its end opposite bottom 216. In onearrangement, sidewall 214 includes connecting features 220, such asthreads, snap-fit-features, grooves or the like, adjacent either theinterior surface and/or exterior surface of the open upper end 218 ofsidewall 214. These connecting features 220 are used for connecting lid222 to container 212.

Lid 222 is formed of any suitable size shape and design. Lid 222 isremovably connected to the open upper end 218 of container 212 andtherefore seals and closes container 212 in a water-tight manner. Lid222 also serves to hold the brewing components therein as is furtherdescribed herein.

As one example, in the arrangement shown, lid 222 is formed of a lowercomponent 224 and an upper component 226. The lower end 227 of lowercomponent 224 includes a connecting member 228 that is sized and shapedto connect with or matingly engage connecting features 220 of the upperend of sidewall 214. As one example, in the arrangement shown,connecting features 220 of the upper end of sidewall 214 are threadspositioned on the inside of the sidewall 214, whereas the a connectingmember 228 of the lower end of lower component 224 includes a slightlynecked-in portion with threads on its exterior surface that are sizedand shaped to engage the threads of the connecting feature 220. In thisway, as one example, lower component 224 can be installed on and removedfrom container 212 in a manner that seals the two components together.Lower component 224 can be removably and replaceably connected tocontainer 212 in countless other ways, such as by replacing the threadsof the connecting member 228 with a flexible and/or compressible sealthat allows for a press-fit frictional engagement between container 212and lower component 224, or any other arrangement that allows twocomponents to be connected together.

Lower component 224 includes a main body 230 that is connected to theupper end of connecting member 228. In one arrangement, the exteriorsurface of main body 230 is wider than the connecting member 228 suchthat the exterior surface of main body 230 is approximately in parallelalignment or smooth and continuing alignment with the exterior surfaceof sidewall 214 so as to provide a flush and flat alignment between thelower component 224 and the container 212 when connected together.

A lower straw 232 extends outwardly from the bottom of lower component224 a distance into the open interior of container 212 when installedthereon. Lower straw 232 also extends through at least a portion oflower component 224 and terminates in an open upper end 233 which isaligned to receive and connect to a portion of upper component 226 as isdescribed herein.

Lower component 224 also includes a coffee basin 234 therein. Coffeebasin 34 is any size which is designed to receive and hold coffeegrounds therein for brewing purposes. In the arrangement shown, coffeebasin 234 is an opening or recess in the lower portion 224. In thearrangement shown, the lower end of coffee basin 234 includes a nozzle236 or opening through which liquid can pass after passing through thecoffee grounds held in the coffee basin 234. Alternatively, the lowerend of coffee basin 234 includes a plurality of nozzles 236 or a mesh orfilter material, or any other device that serves the purpose of holdingcoffee grounds while allowing liquid to pass through it.

A passageway 238 is positioned adjacent the coffee basin 234. Passageway238 is an opening that extends through the lower component 224 from thelower end to the upper end. Passageway 238 is sized and shaped to belarge enough to easily allow coffee to flow out of the container 212through the passageway 238 when a user desires to drink from container212, and is also large enough for a user to add cream and sugar to thecontainer through passageway 238 when they so desire.

Lower component 224 terminates in an upper edge 240 that is generallyflat. Adjacent the upper edge 240 is a hinge 242. Hinge 242 connectslower component 224 to upper component 226 such that the upper component226 can rotate upon hinge 242 between a closed position, wherein theupper component 226 is engaged with the lower component 224, and an openposition, wherein the upper component 226 is separated from the lowercomponent 24 (save for connection by hinge 242) thereby providing accessto coffee basin 234 and passageway 238.

Upper component 226 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. Inthe arrangement shown, upper component 226 includes a main body 230 thathas an exterior surface that is approximately the same size and shape ofthe main body 330 of lower component 224, and container 212 such thatwhen the three components 212, 224, 226 are connected together theexterior surface is generally smooth and flat. Upper component 226 has abottom edge 244 that is generally flat and engages the upper edge 240 oflower component 224 when the two components are connected together.

Upper component 226 includes a pump 246 and a heating element 248positioned within the upper component 226. Pump 246 is any form of adevice that takes electric energy and converts it to mechanical movementand serves to move liquid from one position to another. Heating element248 is any form of a device that takes electric energy and heats aliquid. An upper straw 250 is connected to the inlet side of pump 246and heating element 248. A lower end of upper straw 250 protrudes adistance from the bottom edge 244 of upper component 226 and engages theupper end 233 of lower straw 232 of lower component 224. In this way,when upper component 226 is closed on lower component 224, upper straw250 and lower straw 232 connect together to provide a fluid path fromcontainer 212 to pump 246 and heating element 248. A drip straw 252 isconnected to the outlet end of pump 246 and heating element 248 andterminates in a drip nozzle 254 that is positioned above coffee basin234, such that liquid that passes through pump 246 and heating element248 is dispensed onto the coffee grinds held within coffee basin 234.

Upper component 226 also includes an On/Off switch 256 that iselectrically connected to pump 246 and heating element 248 whichselectively provides power to the electrical components of the system210. On/Off switch 256 is also connected to electrical socket 258.Electrical socket 258 is any form of a device which receives and holdsanother device, such as cord 260, while forming an electrical connectionthere with. In the arrangement shown, cord 260 has an adapter 262 whichis sized and shaped to engage and mate with electrical socket 258 on oneend, and a conventional plug 264 which is sized and shaped to engage aconventional socket on the opposite end. In this way, cord 260 andelectrical socket 258 are used to power system 210.

In an alternative arrangement, the system 210 includes an on-board powersource, such as a battery, a plurality of batteries, or a battery pack,or the like which is used to power the system. In this wireless batterypowered system, electrical socket 258 and cord 260 can still be used torecharge the power source.

Upper component 226 also includes a drinking port 266 that is alignedwith passageway 238 when upper component 226 is installed on lowercomponent 224. Drinking port 266 and passageway 238 connect to oneanother to allow coffee to pass from container 212 through lowercomponent 224 and upper component 226. Because, passageway 238 isintentionally sized to be large enough to allow milk and sugar to easilybe added to container without removing lower component 224, whereasdrinking port 266 of upper component 226 is smaller so as to only allowthe proper amount of coffee to be poured out of container 212, a step268 protrudes from bottom edge 244 of upper component 226. Step 268 issized and shaped and aligned to fit within and frictionally engagepassageway 238 of lower component 224. In this arrangement, when uppercomponent 226 is closed on lower component 224, step 268 fits within andengages the upper portion of passageway 238 thereby helping to hold thetwo components together. In one arrangement a flexible seal ispositioned around step 268 which helps to seal passageway 238 when uppercomponent 226 is closed onto the lower component 224 thereby preventingany leakage. In another arrangement, a snap-fit feature is present onthe step 268 and/or the passageway 238 such that when the uppercomponent 226 is closed on the lower component the snap-fit featuresengage one another thereby holding the two components together until anappropriate amount of force is applied to separate the two.

In one arrangement, a latch 270 is present on the upper component 226and a corresponding notch 272 is present on the lower component 224, orvice versa, which serves to hold the upper component 226 and lowercomponent 224 together when upper component 226 is closed on lowercomponent 224. In this arrangement, when upper component 226 is closed,a snap-fit feature, such as a barb 274 or edge, fits within a similarlysized and shaped notch 272.

To facilitate easier drinking, the upper edge of upper component 226includes a raised lip 276. Lip 276 is formed of any ergonomically designand serves to guide coffee towards a user's mouth when in use, whilesimultaneously helping to prevent spillage. Also positioned over theupper end of drinking port 266 is a sealing member 277. Sealing member277 is any device that closes and seals drinking port 266 from spillingwhen not in use. In one arrangement, sealing member 277 is a slidablepiece that slides over the upper end of drinking port 266 when not inuse (thereby preventing accidental spillage and also keeping thecontents of container 212 sanitary and temperature stable) and slidesaway from the upper end of drinking port 266 to allow a user to drinkthe contents of container 212.

The system 210 also includes a sensor 278, a microprocessor 280 and acontroller 282. Sensor 278 is any sensor that senses conditions of thesystem 210. In one arrangement, sensor 278 is a temperature sensor, suchas a thermometer or the like, however any other form of a sensor ishereby contemplated for use. Sensor 278 is electrically connected tomicroprocessor 280. Microprocessor 280 is any device which receiveselectronic information and processes it according to instructions storedin memory. Microprocessor 280 receives information from sensor 278 andprocesses this information. Microprocessor 280 is electrically connectedto controller 282. Controller 282 is any device which receivesinformation from one electronic component and uses that information tocontrol another electronic device. In one arrangement, microprocessor280 and controller 282 are combined into a single device. In onearrangement, sensor 278 senses the temperature of heating element 248,or the liquid within container 212, transmits this information tomicroprocessor 280 which processes this information. This processedinformation is passed to controller 282 which controls heating element248 and/or pump 46, so as to properly and precisely control brewing.

In Operation:

A user fills container 212 with a desired amount of water. Next, theuser screws lid 222 onto the open upper end 218 of container 212 bymeshing the threads of connecting features 220 with the connectingmember 228 of lower component 224. By doing so, straw 232 is insertedinto the water a distance.

Next, the user places the desired amount of coffee grounds within thecoffee basin 234 of lower component 224. This can be by actually pouringcoffee grounds into coffee basin 234, or by placing a pouch of coffeegrounds in the coffee basin 234. At this time, or a later time, the usercan pour milk or sugar or other additives into the container throughpassageway 238.

Next the user closes upper component 226 onto lower component 224. Indoing so, the upper straw 250 aligns with the lower straw 232 and thedrip nozzle 254 is positioned above the coffee grounds in the coffeebasin 234, and the upper edge 240 of lower component 224 engages theflat bottom edge of upper component, and the step 228 fits within thepassageway 238 thereby sealing the passageway 238 and the narrowerdrinking port 266. Also, in the arrangement wherein a latch 270 andnotch 272 are present, when closed, the latch 270 engages the notch 272thereby holding the upper component 226 onto the lower component 224.

When the sealing member 277 closes the drinking port 266, the system isnow ready to travel. When the user arrives at their office or whereverthey desire a fresh cup of coffee, the user inserts plug 264 of cord 260into a conventional wall socket, or in another arrangement, a carsocket, USB port or any other suitable power source and inserts adapter262 into the electrical socket 58 of the upper component 226. Next, theuser powers on the system 10 by pressing the On/Off button 256 whichstarts the brewing process.

Brewing occurs by transmitting power to the heating element 248 and pump246. Heating element 248 warms to an operating temperature and pump 246sucks water from container 212 through lower straw 232 and upper straw242 and into heating element 248. The water passes through heatingelement 248 and out drip straw 252 and through drip nozzle 254 and ontocoffee grounds held within coffee basin 234. The heated water passesthrough coffee grounds and is held within coffee basin 234 until itpasses through nozzle 236 and back into container 212. This process isrepeated until the user turns off the power to the system, oralternatively until microprocessor 280 and/or controller 282 shuts poweroff to the system 210. While the system is brewing, the sensor 278senses the temperature and other variables of the system 210 and feedsthis information into microprocessor 280 and/or controller 282 whichadjusts the system 210 to provide optimum results.

Once the coffee is brewed, the user simply slides the sealing member 277away from the drinking port 266 and drinks a fresh brewed cup of coffee.

Alternative Embodiment

With reference to FIG. 9, an alternative arrangement is presented thatis slightly modified from the embodiment presented in FIGS. 7-8D. Thisalternative arrangement has a bottom component 284 which is positionedbelow the container 212. Bottom component 284 includes a drain 286 whichfluidly connects to the bottom of container 212. Drain is fluidlyconnected to pump 246 which is fluidly connected to heating element 248.Heating element 248 fluidly connects to lower straw 232 which fluidlyconnect to upper straw 250. Upper straw 250 dispenses fluid onto thecoffee grounds within the coffee basin 234. The remaining components ofthe system 210 are similar, if not identical to the system describedherein.

Another Alternative Arrangement:

With reference to FIGS. 10-23 an alternative arrangement is presentedthat is slightly modified from the embodiments presented in FIGS. 1-9.In this arrangement, a portable coffee brewing system 310 is presentedthat includes a container 312, a sleeve 314 positioned within thecontainer 312, a heating element 316 positioned between the sleeve 314and the container 312, an electrical components housing 318 connected toa lower end 320 of the container 312, and a lid 322 connected to theupper end 324 of the container 312.

Container:

Container 312 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and isany form of a liquid holding vessel such as a cup, a mug, a travel mug,a thermal mug, or the like. In one arrangement, as is shown, container312 includes a sidewall 28 that extends in a generally circular mannerfrom upper end 324 to lower end 320 and defines a hollow interior 326therein.

In the arrangement shown, the upper end 324 of container 312 includes anangled portion 328 that angles outward to an upper portion 330 that hasa larger diameter than the diameter of the portion of container 312below the angled portion 328. The angled portion 328 and larger diameterupper portion 330 provide additional space for the components of lid 322therein.

Container 312 also includes a plurality of vents 332 positioned at thelower end 320 of container 312. Vents 332 are configured to vent heatout of container 312 during operation of the device 310. Vents 332 alsoallow for the drainage of water or condensation that gets betweencontainer 312 and sleeve 314.

A hinge 334 is connected to the upper end 324 of upper portion 330 ofcontainer 312. Hinge 334 serves to pivotally connect lid 332 tocontainer 312. The upper end 324 of container 312 also includes a catch336 that is configured to receive latch 338 connected to lid 322 whenlid 322 is in a closed position.

Sleeve:

Sleeve 314 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and isconfigured to fit within container 312 and hold liquid/coffee therein.In one arrangement, sleeve 314 is formed of a metallic material such asaluminum, stainless steel or the like, whereas container 312 is formedof a plastic or composite material. In the arrangement shown, sleeve 314is configured to fit within container 312 and generally follow thecontours of container 312 with a space between the exterior surface ofsleeve 314 and the interior surface of container 312. More specifically,like container 312, sleeve 314 has a generally cylindrical sidewall thatextends from a lower end 320 to an upper end 324 and includes an angledportion 328 that connects to upper portion 330 that has a largerdiameter than the portion of sleeve below the angled portion.

A lip 340 is connected to the upper end 324 of sleeve 314 and extendsoutward therefrom. Lip 340 connects to the upper end 324 of container312 and in one arrangement seals to container 312. Lip 340 helps toprevent liquid from getting between container 213 and sleeve 314. Lip340 also helps to index the position of sleeve 314 within container 312.That is, sleeve 314 is fully inserted within container 312 when lip 340engages the upper end 324 of container 312.

The lower end 320 of sleeve 314 includes a bottom wall 342 that closesthe lower end 320 of sleeve 314. Bottom wall 342 includes a drain 344that is fluidly connected to an inlet side of pump 346. Bottom wall 342also includes an output opening 348 that is fluidly connected to anoutput side of pump 346. In this way, when pump 346 is activated, fluidis sucked from the hollow interior 326 of sleeve 314/container 312through drain 344 and then is pumped out of output opening 348.

In one arrangement, sleeve 314 is removable from container 312 therebyallowing for easy cleaning of sleeve 314, such as by throwing the sleeve314 in the dishwasher. In another arrangement, sleeve 314 isnon-removable from container 312, thereby ensuring a proper and enduringseal is made between sleeve 314 and container 314 thereby preventing anyliquid from getting between sleeve 314 and container 312.

Heating Element:

Heating element 316 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. Inthe arrangement shown, heating element 316 is positioned within thespace between the interior surface of container 312 and the exteriorsurface of sleeve 314. In the arrangement shown, heating element 316 isformed of a flexible pad that includes a heating element therein. In onearrangement, the pad material is formed of silicone, or a flexiblesilicone composite, or alternatively the pad material is formed ofplastic or any other composite material.

In the arrangement shown, heating element 316 is wrapped around theexterior cylindrical surface of sleeve 314 between the lower edge ofangled portion 328 and the bottom wall 342. In one arrangement, tomaximize heat transfer to the sleeve 314 and the liquid contained withinsleeve 312, heating element 316 is adhered directly to the exteriorsurface of sleeve 312 using an adhesive. In an alternative arrangement,to maximize heat transfer to the sleeve 314 and the liquid containedwithin sleeve 314, the interior surface of heating element 316 is bondedto the exterior surface of sleeve 314 using a heat transfer compound, aheat transfer paste, a heat sink compound, a heat sink paste or anyother material that bonds and/or helps to transfer heat from one objectto another.

In one arrangement, after the heating element 316 is wrapped around thesleeve 314, thermal insulating material 350 is wrapped around theexterior surface of heating element 316. Thermal insulating material 350is formed of any material or device that helps to insulate the exteriorsurface of heating element 316, and thereby help to direct or focus theheat produced by heating element 316 toward sleeve 314 and away fromcontainer 312. In one arrangement, thermal insulating material 350 is athermally insulating tape, such as an aluminum tape, a metallic tape,fiberglass tape, a ceramic tape or any other type of tape that helps todirect and focus the heat produced by heating element 316 inward. In onearrangement, thermal insulating material 350 adheres to the exteriorsurface of heating element 316 and thereby helps to hold heating element314 firmly onto sleeve 314 thereby improving and maximizing the heattransfer into sleeve 314. By wrapping heating element 316 with tape,this also helps to maintain the dimensional size, shape and accuracy ofthe sleeve 314 with the heating element 316 positioned there around,which eases assembly of sleeve 314 into container 312.

Heating element 316 electrically connects to microprocessor 352 which,in operation, controls operation of heating element 316 which serves toheat the liquid within sleeve 312.

While in the arrangement shown in FIGS. 10-23 the heating element 316wraps around the sleeve 314, in an alternative arrangement the heatingelement 316 is positioned adjacent the bottom of sleeve 314.

In an alternative arrangement, heating element 316 is formed of what isknown as a thick film heating element also known as thick filmconduction heater. Thick film heating elements are formed of a thickfilm that includes a heating element therein that is connected to oradhered with a substrate film. The thick film heating element can beadhered or bonded directly to the exterior surface of sleeve 314, oralternatively the thick film heating element is printed directly ontothe exterior surface of sleeve 314. Thick film heating elements areknown for fast response and uniform heating as well as maximum heattransfer, thermal efficiency and temperature uniformity all while in athin package that provide maximum room for other components. Theyprovide maximum temperature response in a low profile package. Theyprovide ultra-fast temperature ramp and allows for quick cool down. Theyallow for uniform temperatures to be provided across the heater'ssurface area in addition they can be precisely controlled. The use of athick film heating element allows the space between the sleeve 314 andcontainer 312 to be a minimum. Also, the use of a thick film heatingelement allows the use of additional or thicker insulation around thethick film heating element and sleeve 314 thereby additionally improvingthermal efficiency. One manufacturer of these thick film heatingelements is Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company having an address of12001 Lackland Road St. Louis Mo. 63146.

Electrical Components Housing:

Electrical components housing 318 is connected to the lower end 320 ofcontainer 312 and houses microprocessor 352, pump 346, and transceiver354. Electrical components housing 318 is formed of any suitable size,shape and design. In the arrangement shown, electrical componentshousing 318 is formed of a generally cylindrical member having an upperportion 356 and a lower portion 358.

In the arrangement shown, pump 346 is held within upper portion 356 ofelectrical components housing 318. In addition, sensor 360 is heldwithin the upper portion 356. Sensor 360 is any form of a device whichsenses operational characteristics of the system 310, such astemperature, or the like. Sensor 360 transmits the sensed information,such as temperature, to microprocessor 352, from this informationmicroprocessor 352 controls operation of the system 310.

A circuit board 362 is also held with electrical components housing 318.In the arrangement shown, circuit board 362 is held between the upperportion 356 and the lower portion 358. By spacing the circuit board 362a distance away from the heating element 316, this spacing tends toattenuate or reduce the heat received by the sensitive electricalcomponents of circuit board 362. In one arrangement, circuit board 362includes or is electrically connected to all of the electricalcomponents that control operation of system 310 including microprocessor352 and transceiver 354.

Microprocessor 352 is any device which receives information or signals,processes the information or signals and executes instructions stored inmemory. In this way, microprocessor 352 controls operation of the system310. Transceiver 354 is electrically connected to microprocessor 352.Transceiver 354 is any device that transmits and/or receives signalsthrough an antenna 364. Antenna 364 is any device which convertselectric power into radio waves, and vice versa. In this way, theconnection of transceiver 354 and antenna 364 allow for wireless controlof system 310, as is further described herein, by sending and receivingwireless control signals through transceiver 354 and antenna 364.

Electrical components housing 318 also includes a switch 366 therein.Switch 366 is any device which turns the power on or off to theelectrical components of system 310. Electrical components housing 318also includes a socket 368 that is configured to receive an electricalconnection to an external power source, such as by plugging the system10 into a USB port or a conventional wall plug.

Lid & Basket:

Lid 322 is connected to the upper end 324 of container 312 and sleeve314. Lid 322 is formed of any suitable size shape and design and servesto close the upper end 324 of container 312 and sleeve 314. In thearrangement shown, lid 322 is hingedly connected to container 312 byhinge 334 which allows lid 322 to rotate between an open position and aclosed position. In a closed position, engagement between latch 338 oflid 322 and catch 336 of container 312 hold lid 322 in a closedposition.

Lid 322 includes a pour spout 370 therein that provides a fluidpassageway to the fluid held within sleeve 312. Lid 322 also includes acover 372 that is movable between an open position where access isprovided to pour spout 370 and a closed position where cover 372 closespour spout 370.

A basket 374 is positioned between lid 322 and container 312, and/or isheld between lid 322 and container 312. Basket 374 is formed of anysuitable size, shape and design and is configured to hold coffee groundstherein during the brewing process. In one arrangement, as is shown,basket 374 includes an opening 376 that is sized and shaped to receive acoffee grounds holding device 378. Coffee grounds holding device 378 isformed of any suitable size, shape and design, and is in one arrangementis a K-Cup made commercially popular by Keurig Green Mountain, which isheadquartered in Waterbury, Vt., however any other form of a coffeegrounds holding device is hereby contemplated for use with the system310.

Basket 374 includes a lip 380 positioned at its upper end that engagesor indexes to lip 340 of sleeve 312 such that when lip 380 of basket isin engagement with lip 340 of sleeve 314, basket 374 is fully insertedwithin container 312/sleeve 314. In this position, basket 374 is held inplace between the container 312 and sleeve 314 on its lower side and lid322 on its upper side when lid 322 is in a closed position over basket374.

Basket 374 includes a pour spout 382 therein that fluidly connects withthe hollow interior 326 of sleeve 314 and pour spout 370 of lid 322.Basket 374 also includes an upper tube 384 that fluidly connects to alower tube 386. Lower tube 386 removably connects at its lower end tooutput opening 348 in sleeve 314 and at its upper end to the lower endof upper tube 384 of basket 374. The upper end of upper rube 384 fluidlyconnects to upper punch 388 in lid 322. Upper punch 388 serves tofluidly connect to the upper end of upper tube 384 and also serves topunch a hole in the cover 390 of coffee grounds holding device 378 whenlid 322 is closed on basket 374 with coffee grounds holding device 378therein thereby providing a point of access for water to infiltrate intothe coffee grounds holding device 378.

Basket 374 also includes a lower punch 392 positioned adjacent thebottom end of opening 376 that serves to punch a hole in the lower endof coffee grounds holding device 378 when lid 322 is closed on basket374 with coffee grounds holding device 378 therein thereby providing apassageway for water to exit the coffee grounds holding device 378through drain 394 in the lower end of basket 374.

When lid 322 is open, the sharp point of upper punch 388 is exposed. Toprovide an additional layer of safety, lid 322 includes a rotatablepunch cover 396. When lid 322 is in an open position, punch cover 396rotates into place thereby covering the sharp end of upper punch 388.When lid 322 is closed, punch cover 396 rotates thereby exposing upperpunch 388 thereby allowing the sharp point of upper punch 388 topenetrate the cover 390 of coffee grounds holding device 378.

Basket 374 is removable from sleeve 314 and container 312 therebyfacilitating easy cleaning of basket 374. Removing basket 374 alsoallows for easy removal of lower tube 386 for cleaning purpose. Removingbasket 374 also allows for easy cleaning of the interior surface ofsleeve 314.

While the term “basket” is used herein, this is term and the device itis used to describe is similar to the holder or insert 24 presented inFIGS. 3 and 5, as well as being similar in function to the lowercomponent 224 of lid 22 presented in FIGS. 7-9 and the use of differingterminology should not distract from the similarities in function,purpose and design.

Display:

In one arrangement, system 310 includes a display 398 which iselectrically connected with microprocessor 352. Display 398 is formed ofany suitable size, shape and design and is configured to displayinformation related to the system 10. In one arrangement, display ispositioned in the sidewall of electrical components housing 318, howeverit is hereby contemplated that display 398 may be positioned in anyportion of the system 10.

In one arrangement, as is shown, display 398 is a digital display thatis displays the status of the system, the temperature of the fluidwithin container 312, the amount of time the system 310 is set to brewfor, the temperature the system 310 is set to brew at, the amount ofbrewing time left, the time, the time at which brewing will start, theamount of time that must pass before brewing will start, or any otherinformation relevant to the system.

In one arrangement, microprocessor 352 and/or display 398 areelectrically connected to an alarm 400. Alarm 400 is any device whichindicates the state of system 310, such as when brewing is done, when adesired brewing temperature has been reached, when a desired drinkingtemperature has been reached, or any other information. Alarm 400 may bea speaker or other device that transmits a tone, noise or even spokenwords, or a visual device such as a light or LED. In one arrangement,when alarm 400 is a color-changing LED alarm 400 is, for example, bluewhen in a powered ready state, red when brewing and green when ready.

In one arrangement, the display 398 is an interactive display thatdisplays information about the system 310 as well as allows the user toset parameters such as:

-   -   The temperature at which brewing will start;    -   The amount of time that brewing will occur;    -   The time when brewing will occur;    -   Whether an alarm will issue when brewing is complete;    -   Whether an alarm will issue when the optimal consumption        temperature is reached;    -   What the alarm settings are;    -   Any other setting.

Application:

In one arrangement, system 310 is controllable through wireless controlsignals 402 sent and received between transceiver 354 through antenna364 and application 404 running an a handheld device, such as a cellphone, tablet, laptop or other computing device 406.

Application 404 is any computer program designed to control system 310,display information related to system 310 and help the user enjoy use ofsystem 310 through interaction with their cell phone or other computingdevice 406. In one arrangement, application 310 allows a user towirelessly interact with their system 310 either directly, with wirelesscontrol signals 402 being exchanged directly between computing device406 and transceiver 354/antenna 364, or through a wireless network 408,such as the internet. In doing so, the user may set the operatingparameter of the system 310 such as:

-   -   The temperature at which brewing will start;    -   The amount of time that brewing will occur;    -   The time when brewing will occur;    -   Whether an alarm will issue when brewing is complete;    -   Whether an alarm will issue when the optimal consumption        temperature is reached;    -   What the alarm settings are;    -   Whether music will play either through the computing device 406        or the alarm 400 when brewing is complete, and if so what music;    -   Whether music will play either through the computing device 406        or the alarm 400 when the optimal consumption temperature is        reached, and if so what music;    -   Any other setting.

Application 404 allows the user to control brewing of their coffee innever before provided ways, such as by precise temperature setting, brewtime setting and the like. In addition, application 404 allows the userto post to social media about their brewing experience. Application 404also allows the user to order supplies, like replacement parts, moreK-cups, coffee, or any other supply. Application 404 also allows fordirect marketing to the user through application 404.

As computing device 406 is connected to the internet, any amount ofinformation can be retrieved through the internet for use in theapplication. In addition, application 404 has access to the onboardmemory of computing device 406. As such, application 404 can retrievemusic to play through the computing device 406 and/or the audible alarm(speaker) 400 on the portable coffee brewing system 310 from the onboardmemory of the computing device or from the internet.

Portable coffee brewing system 310 and application 404/computing device406 communicate with one another using any form of a wirelesscommunication protocol or language. Examples include the use ofBluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave or any other open source or proprietarylanguage.

In Operation:

A user using the system 310 opens the lid 322 which pivots upon hinge334 thereby providing access to the basket 374. Next, the user removesthe basket 743 and lower tube 386. Next the user fills the hollowinterior 326 with the desired amount of water. The user then inserts thelower end of lower tube 386 into the output opening 348 in the bottomwall 342 of sleeve 314. Next, the user replaces the basket 374 in theupper end of the sleeve 314 and container 312. When inserting the basket374 into container 312/sleeve 314, care is taken to ensure that thebasket 374 is properly aligned with the upper end of lower tube 386 inalignment with and fluid communication with the lower end of upper tube384. Once in the position, with the lip 380 of basket 374 in engagementwith the lip 340 of sleeve 314/container 312 and upper rube 384 inalignment with and communication with lower tube 386, basket 374 isfully inserted within container 312.

Once basket 374 is inserted into container 312, coffee grounds holdingdevice 378 (such as a K-Cup) is inserted within the opening 376 inbasket 374. Next, the lid 322 is closed by pressing down on the forwardend of the lid 322 thereby causing the lid 322 to rotate upon hinge 334until the lower edge 408 of lid 322 seals with the upper edge ofcontainer 312/sleeve 314 and the latch 338 and catch 336 are in holdingengagement with one another. Upon closing of lid 322, the lower punch392 penetrates the bottom wall 410 of coffee grounds holding device 378while the upper punch 388 penetrates the cover 372 of the coffee groundsholding device 378 thereby providing an entry point and exit point forwater into and out of the coffee grounds holding device 378.

Now the system 310 is fully assembled and ready for transport and/oruse. Once the user is ready to brew coffee, the user plugs the system310 into a power source through plug 368 and then the user turns thebrewing function on by use of switch 366. In doing so, unless modifiedby the user, as is further described herein, the system 310 will operateaccording to the factory settings.

That is, once activated, microprocessor 352 activates heating element316. This cause energy to course through the filament embedded withinthe flexible silicone pad thereby heating the sleeve 314 and the waterwithin sleeve 314. As this is occurring the sensor 360 senses the watertemperature and transmits this information to microprocessor 352. Oncemicroprocessor 352 detects that the pre-set brewing temperature has beenreached (such as for example between 198° F. and 200° F.) microprocessor352 activates pump 346.

When pump 346 is activated, pump 346 sucks water out of the hollowinterior 326 of through drain 344 and then pumps the water out outputopening 348, up lower tube 386, up upper tube 348, through upper punch388, or alternatively through other piping within lid 322, through thecoffee grounds held within coffee grounds holding device 378, and outthe opening in the bottom of coffee grounds holding device 378 which isformed by lower punch 392 and out drain 394. This liquid then drainsback into the hollow interior 326 and the process is repeated until pump346 is deactivated. The flow of liquid/coffee follows Arrow A shown inFIG. 22.

In one arrangement, that includes an alarm 400 that is a light or LED,during the brewing process, the alarm 400 indicates that brewing isin-process, such as illuminating a first color such as red, yellow, orblue, and when the brewing process is complete the alarm 400 illuminatesa second color, such as green or purple. In the arrangement wherein aconsumption temperature is also set, the alarm 400 indicates that thepreferred consumption temperature has been reach by illuminating a thirdcolor, such as white, when the temperature of the liquid drops below apredetermined consumption temperature informing the user that the coffeeis ready to drink. In this way, the user is visually made aware of thestatus of the system 10.

Similarly, In one arrangement, that includes an alarm 400 that is aspeaker, when the brewing process begins an alarm 400 is issued thatindicates that brewing started, such as a first tone or noise, and whenthe brewing process is complete the alarm 400 issues a second tone ornoise. In the arrangement wherein a consumption temperature is also set,the alarm 400 indicates that the preferred consumption temperature hasbeen reach by issuing a third tone or noise when the temperature of theliquid drops below a predetermined consumption temperature informing theuser that the coffee is ready to drink. In this way, the user is audiblymade aware of the status of the system 10.

Similarly, the information about the system 310 is displayed on display398, such as the current status of the system 310, such as brewing,waiting, ready, etc. In addition, other information is also visible ondisplay 398, such as current liquid temperature, time, time untilbrewing begins, time until brewing completes, etc.

After the coffee is brewed, the user slides the cover 372 rearwardthereby exposing the pour spout 370 and the user drinks the coffee fromhollow interior 326.

Once empty, the user cleans the system by opening lid 322 by pivoting iton hinge 334 thereby exposing the basket 374 and coffee grounds holdingdevice 378 which are both removed. In addition, the lower tube 386 isalso removed, and in the arrangement with a removable sleeve 314, thesleeve 314 is removed as well. The coffee grounds holding device 378 isdiscarded. The lower tube 386 and sleeve 314 and the basket 374 can bewashed, such as by placing them in a dishwasher. Once clean, the sleeve314, lower tube 386, and basket 374 are reinserted into the container312 and the system 310 is ready to be used again.

When an interactive display 398 is present, the user may modify anysetting using the display 398, such as the brewing temperature, thepreferred consumption temperature, when the brewing is to begin (such asat a certain time), how long brewing should last, among any othersetting.

Similarly, when using application 404, the user may modify any settingusing the application 404, such as the brewing temperature, thepreferred consumption temperature, when the brewing is to begin (such asat a certain time), how long brewing should last, among any othersetting. In addition, the user may post information to social mediaregarding their brewing experience through application 404, in additionthey may order replacement parts or supplies, such as additional coffeeor replacement coffee ground holding devices 378 (such as K-cups). Whenthe user modifies a setting using application 404, a wireless controlsignal 402 is transmitted either over the air and directly to antenna364, or through electronic network 408, such as the internet or a localnetwork. Control signal 402 is received by antenna 364 which transmitsthe control single 402 to transceiver 354. Transceiver 354 receives thecontrol signal 402, interprets it, and transmits it to microprocessor352. Microprocessor 352 acts on the instructions received throughcontrol signal 402 to modify its operation accordingly.

Note: The use of the term K-Cup is only by way of example, and any formof a coffee grounds holding device manufactured by any maker is herebycontemplated for use with the system 310 and can be used by modifyingthe shape of basket 374 accordingly.

Batteries:

While it is described herein to attach system 310 to an external batterysource such as line power through a USB plug or conventional walloutlet, it is hereby contemplated to include an on-board power source,such as a battery or plurality of batteries, or battery pack withincontainer 312 and/or electrical components housing 318. This battery orbatteries provide the power for operation of the system as is describedherein. This battery or batteries are charged by plugging into anexternal power source through plug 368.

Separator:

In one arrangement, system 10 includes a separator 420. Separator 420 isformed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured toseparate the brewed coffee from the un-brewed water. In one arrangement,separator 420 is formed of a rigid or flexible membrane that is insertedwithin the hollow interior 36 of container 12 after the hollow interior36 is filled with water. In this way, separator 420 floats on top of thewater. When the system 10 is activated, and brewing is initiated, wateris sucked out of the hollow interior 36 below the separator 420 andbrewed coffee is injected or poured back into the hollow interior 36 ontop of separator 420. In doing so, the separator 420 moves verticallywithin the hollow interior 36 of container 12 and floats on thediminishing level of un-brewed water below the separator 420 as brewedcoffee is poured on top of the separator 420.

The brewing process is complete when the separator 420 reaches orengages the bottom wall 34 of hollow interior 36. In this position, allof the un-brewed water has been sucked out of the hollow interior 36 ofthe container 12 below separator 420 and has been replaced as coffee ontop of the separator 420.

To ensure a proper seal between sidewall 28 of container 12 and theseparator 420, and to ensure the water and brewed coffee aresufficiently separated, separator 420 has approximately the same sizeand shape as the hollow interior 36 and fits within hollow interior 36with close and tight tolerances thereby separating the coffee and waterwhile still allowing for vertical movement of separator 420 withinhollow interior 36. Care is taken to ensure the dimensions andconfiguration properly separates the water from the coffee whileallowing for proper and free vertical movement of separator 420—althoughsome leakage is inevitable. In the arrangement shown, as one example,separator 420 includes a bottom wall 422 that extends across the hollowinterior 36 and connects to a sidewall 424 that engages and seals withsidewall 28 of container 12. In one arrangement, sidewall 424 ofseparator 420 includes one or more seals, such as rubber gaskets,O-rings or the like, that engage sidewall 28 and improve sealing.

Separator 420 is easily removed from hollow interior 36 for cleaningpurposes. The use of separator 420 helps to keep the internal componentsof system 10 clean by only running clean water through these componentsof the system 10.

From the above discussion, it will be appreciated that portable coffeebrewing device presented improves upon the state of the art. That is,the portable coffee brewing device shown and described herein: is easyto use; brews a pleasing and high quality cup of coffee; is inexpensiveto manufacture; has an intuitive design; has a robust and durabledesign; has a long and useful life; has a simple and ergonomic design;allows a user to make a fresh cup of coffee whenever and wherever theyso desire; allows a user to load the device with water and coffeegrounds at one time and one place while allowing for brewing of thecoffee at another time and another place; uses what are known as K-cups;has an appealing design; is safe to use; is easy to clean; and does notleak; among countless other features and advantages.

Note that reference to coffee brewing herein is only by way of example.It is hereby contemplated that the system 10 can be used to brew any hotbeverage such as tea, apple cider, hot chocolate, or the like and is notlimited to coffee.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other variousmodifications could be made to the device without parting from thespirit and scope of this invention. All such modifications and changesfall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be coveredthereby.

What is claimed:
 1. A portable coffee brewing device comprising: acontainer; the container having a sidewall that extends from an upperend to a lower end; a bottom wall connected to the lower end of thesidewall thereby defining a hollow interior of the container; a lid; thelid connected to the upper end of the container; the lid configured tomove between an open position and a closed position; a coffee groundsholding device; the coffee grounds holding device positioned adjacentthe upper end of the container; wherein the coffee grounds holdingdevice includes a container that forms a hollow interior, an amount ofcoffee grounds held within the hollow interior of the coffee groundsholding device, and a cover that covers the hollow interior of thecoffee grounds holding device; a tube; the tube fluidly connected to thehollow interior of the container; a nipple; the nipple configured toprovide a fluid passageway in the coffee grounds holding device; a pump;the pump fluidly connected to the tube; the pump configured tofacilitate the transport of fluid through the tube and through thecoffee grounds holding device; a heating element; the heating elementconfigured to heat fluid; wherein when the lid is moved from the openposition to the closed position, the nipple penetrates the coffeegrounds holding device thereby providing a fluid passageway in thecoffee grounds holding device; wherein when the container is filled withfluid and the pump is powered, fluid moves through the tube and into thecoffee grounds holding device thereby brewing coffee.
 2. The portablecoffee brewing device of claim 1, further comprising an electricalsocket positioned in the portable coffee brewing device and connected toan external power source thereby powering electrical components of theportable coffee brewing device.
 3. The portable coffee brewing device ofclaim 1, wherein the tube is positioned within the sidewall of thecontainer.
 4. The portable coffee brewing device of claim 1, wherein thetube is removable for cleaning purposes.
 5. The portable coffee brewingdevice of claim 1, wherein the tube is fluidly connected to the nipple.6. The portable coffee brewing device of claim 1, wherein the lid isconnected to the container by a hinge, wherein the lid pivots betweenthe open position and the closed position on the hinge.
 7. The portablecoffee brewing device of claim 1, further comprising a drain positionedin the bottom wall of the container, the drain having a one way valve.8. The portable coffee brewing device of claim 1, wherein the pump ispositioned adjacent the lid.
 9. The portable coffee brewing device ofclaim 1, wherein the pump is positioned adjacent the lower end of theportable coffee brewing device.
 10. The portable coffee brewing deviceof claim 1, further comprising a sleeve positioned within the container.11. The portable coffee brewing device of claim 1, wherein whenactivated, the heating element heats fluid within the tube.
 12. Theportable coffee brewing device of claim 1, wherein when activated, theheating element heats fluid within the hollow interior of the container.13. The portable coffee brewing device of claim 1, further comprising, aseparator, wherein the separator is configured to separate brewed coffeefrom un-brewed fluid.
 14. The portable coffee brewing device of claim 1,further comprising, a second nipple, the second nipple configured toform a second fluid passageway in the coffee grounds holding device. 15.The portable coffee brewing device of claim 1, wherein the portablecoffee brewing device is powered by an on-board power source such as oneor more batteries.
 16. A portable coffee brewing device, comprising: acontainer; the container having a sidewall extending between an upperend and a lower end; a bottom wall connected to the lower end of thesidewall; the bottom wall and sidewall forming a hollow interior,wherein the hollow interior of the container is configured to holdfluid; a lid positioned adjacent the upper end of the sidewall; the lidconfigured to move between an open position and a closed position; aholder; the holder positioned adjacent the upper end of the container;the holder having an opening that is sized and shaped to receive acoffee grounds holding device therein; wherein the coffee groundsholding device includes a container that forms a hollow interior, anamount of coffee grounds held within the hollow interior of the coffeegrounds holding device, and a cover that covers the hollow interior ofthe coffee grounds holding device; a tube; the tube fluidly connected tothe hollow interior of the container; a pump; the pump fluidly connectedto the tube; the pump configured to facilitate the transport of fluidthrough the tube and through the coffee grounds holding device; anipple; the nipple configured to provide a fluid passageway in thecoffee grounds holding device; a heating element; the heating elementconfigured to heat fluid; wherein when a coffee grounds holding deviceis positioned within the holder and the lid is moved from the openposition to the closed position, the nipple penetrates the coffeegrounds holding device thereby providing a fluid passageway in thecoffee grounds holding device; wherein when the container is filled withfluid and the pump is powered, fluid moves through the tube and into thecoffee grounds holding device thereby brewing coffee.
 17. The portablecoffee brewing device of claim 16, further an electrical socketpositioned in portable coffee brewing device and connected to anexternal power source thereby powering electrical components of theportable coffee brewing device.
 18. The portable coffee brewing deviceof claim 16, wherein the tube is positioned within the sidewall of thecontainer.
 19. The portable coffee brewing device of claim 16, whereinthe tube is removable for cleaning purposes.
 20. The portable coffeebrewing device of claim 16, wherein the tube is fluidly connected to thenipple.
 21. The portable coffee brewing device of claim 16, furthercomprising a drain positioned in the bottom wall of the container, thedrain having a one way valve.
 22. The portable coffee brewing device ofclaim 16, wherein the pump is positioned adjacent the lid.
 23. Theportable coffee brewing device of claim 16, wherein the pump ispositioned adjacent the lower end of the portable coffee brewing device.24. The portable coffee brewing device of claim 16, further comprising asleeve positioned within the container.
 25. The portable coffee brewingdevice of claim 16, wherein when activated, the heating element heatsfluid within the tube.
 26. The portable coffee brewing device of claim16, wherein when activated, the heating element heats fluid within thehollow interior of the container.
 27. The portable coffee brewing deviceof claim 16, further comprising, a separator, wherein the separator isconfigured to separate brewed coffee from un-brewed fluid.
 28. Theportable coffee brewing device of claim 16, further comprising, a secondnipple, the second nipple configured to form a second fluid passagewayin the coffee grounds holding device.
 29. The portable coffee brewingdevice of claim 16, wherein the portable coffee brewing device ispowered by an on-board power source such as one or more batteries.
 30. Aportable coffee brewing device, comprising: a container; the containerhaving a sidewall extending between an upper end and a lower end; abottom wall connected adjacent the lower end of the sidewall; whereinthe container defines a hollow interior; a lid connected adjacent theupper end of the container; the lid configured to move between an openposition and a closed position; a coffee grounds holding device; whereinthe coffee grounds holding device includes a container that forms ahollow interior, an amount of coffee grounds held within the hollowinterior of the coffee grounds holding device, and a cover that coversthe hollow interior of the coffee grounds holding device; a tube; thetube fluidly connected to the hollow interior of the container; a pump;the pump fluidly connected to the tube; the pump configured tofacilitate the transport of fluid through the tube and through thecoffee grounds holding device; a nipple; the nipple configured toprovide a fluid passageway in the coffee grounds holding device; whereinwhen the lid is moved from the open position to the closed position, thenipple penetrates the coffee grounds holding device thereby providing afluid path from the tube through the passageway and into the coffeegrounds holding device; and wherein when activated, the tube transportsfluid from the hollow interior of the container to the coffee groundsholding device thereby brewing coffee.
 31. The portable coffee brewingdevice of claim 30, further comprising a button that operativelyconnects to the container and the lid, such that activating the buttonwhen the lid is in the closed position releases the lid.
 32. Theportable coffee brewing device of claim 30, further comprising a pourspout positioned in the lid that fluidly connects to the hollow interiorof the container.
 33. The portable coffee brewing device of claim 30,further comprising a pour spout positioned in the lid, wherein the pourspout is opened and closed by a slidable cover.
 34. The portable coffeebrewing device of claim 30, further comprising, a holder, wherein theholder has an opening therein that is sized and shaped to receive thecoffee grounds holding device therein.
 35. The portable coffee brewingdevice of claim 30, wherein the pump is positioned adjacent the lid. 36.The portable coffee brewing device of claim 30, wherein the pump ispositioned adjacent the lower end of the portable coffee brewing device.37. The portable coffee brewing device of claim 30, further comprising asleeve positioned within the container.
 38. The portable coffee brewingdevice of claim 30, further comprising a heating element, wherein whenactivated, the heating element heats fluid within the tube.
 39. Theportable coffee brewing device of claim 30, further comprising a heatingelement, wherein when activated, the heating element heats fluid withinthe hollow interior of the container.
 40. The portable coffee brewingdevice of claim 30, further comprising, a separator, wherein theseparator is configured to separate brewed coffee from un-brewed fluid.41. The portable coffee brewing device of claim 30, further comprising,a second nipple, the second nipple configured to form a second fluidpassageway in the coffee grounds holding device.
 42. The portable coffeebrewing device of claim 30, wherein the portable coffee brewing deviceis powered by an on-board power source such as one or more batteries.43. A wirelessly controlled coffee brewing system, comprising: aportable coffee brewing device; the portable coffee brewing device,comprising: a container; the container having a sidewall extendingbetween an upper end and a lower end; a bottom wall connected to thelower end of the sidewall; the bottom wall and sidewall forming a hollowinterior, wherein the hollow interior of the container is configured tohold fluid; a lid positioned adjacent the upper end of the sidewall; acoffee grounds holding device held within the portable coffee brewingdevice; wherein the coffee grounds holding device includes a containerthat forms a hollow interior, an amount of coffee grounds held withinthe hollow interior of the coffee grounds holding device, and a coverthat covers the hollow interior of the coffee grounds holding device; aheating element; a controller operatively connected with a transceiver;an application; the application installed on a user mobile electronicdevice having a user interface and controlled by a user; wherein theapplication is wirelessly connected to the controller and configured towirelessly control the portable coffee brewing device.
 44. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the controller communicates with the user mobileelectronic device via the transceiver.
 45. The system of claim 10,wherein the application allows a user to wirelessly initiate brewingusing the user mobile device.
 46. The system of claim 10, wherein theapplication displays a fluid temperature of the portable coffee brewingdevice.
 47. The system of claim 10, wherein the application informs auser when a fluid temperature reaches a specified temperature.
 48. Thesystem of claim 10, wherein the application informs a user when brewinghas completed.
 49. The system of claim 10, wherein the portable coffeebrewing device is powered by an on-board power source such as one ormore batteries.
 50. The system of claim 10, wherein the portable coffeebrewing device is powered by connection to an external power source.